Book description
Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five arrives as an audiobook with a power that transcends the page. The author himself narrates, lending the text its raw, unmistakable voice-a dry wit, a weary cadence, and a quiet fury that makes every word land like a punch. This isn't just a recording; it's a direct conduit to Vonnegut's mind, sharpening the novel's piercing critique of war and time itself.
The story follows Billy Pilgrim, a man who "unsticks" in time, reliving the Dresden firebombing alongside his alien abduction adventures. Vonnegut, a POW who survived that 1945 massacre, spent decades wrestling with how to articulate the horror. The audiobook amplifies that struggle. You hear the weight in his pauses, the deliberate slowness when describing the city's destruction, the way he undercuts tragedy with phrases like "So it goes." That refrain-repeated after every death or disaster-becomes a mantra, its rhythm deepening in the spoken word.
Fifty years after its 1969 release, the novel's relevance feels urgent. Vonnegut captures political disillusionment and PTSD long before those terms were common, framing them through a lens of absurdity and dark humor. The audiobook makes this timeless perspective immediate. When Billy witnesses Dresden burning, Vonnegut's delivery strips away any romanticism, leaving only the chilling reality: "The whole city was burning." You don't just read the horror; you hear it.
This format also honors Vonnegut's genre-blending genius. The sci-fi elements-trapped in a spaceship, meeting Tralfamadorians-gain surreal texture through narration. The alien dialogue, delivered with deadpan precision, feels less like fantasy and more like a coping mechanism for trauma. Similarly, the satire of postwar American life (the optometrist's mundane routine, the war profiteers) lands with sharper irony when voiced.
Critics once called Vonnegut's work "too edgy" for schools. The audiobook, however, makes his message impossible to ignore. His frankness about violence, the absurdity of war, and the cost of silence resonates louder now than ever. In an era of ongoing conflict and anxiety, Billy Pilgrim's fractured timeline mirrors our own collective disorientation. Vonnegut's voice-calm, unflinching-offers a rare kind of clarity: war is senseless, and storytelling is resistance.
The narration's intimacy is key. Hearing Vonnegut's own voice, decades later, transforms the book from a historical artifact into a living conversation. You feel his frustration with how society processes trauma, his refusal to let history repeat. When he says, "All moments, past, present and future, always have existed," the audio version makes it feel less like philosophy and more like a truth whispered directly to you.
This isn't just an audiobook; it's a cultural anchor. It proves that great writing thrives in new formats, especially when the author's voice is its heartbeat. Slaughterhouse-Five remains a beacon-not just for its antiwar message, but for showing how to speak truth with humor, humanity, and unshakable honesty. Listen closely. The echoes of Dresden, and of our own time, are still speaking.
Gold Dahlia
Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Hoover Spark
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Lady In Red
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. ππ The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
Trixie
This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
Red Heroine
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. With this app, my daily commute has transformed into an engaging journey through captivating stories. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Moon Orchid
With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Pocket Mazda
πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Geneva Cuffs
This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a perfect match.
Clover Dragon
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
Prof. Smirk
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Gov Skull
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device.
Blink
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Rummy Stickers
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Wooden German
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! πΆββοΈπ Walking my way through exciting narratives β this app makes exercise more fun! ποΈπ§ π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§ The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
LifeRobber
This app's seamless integration with my devices has made audiobook listening a hassle-free experience. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy.
Shwatson
ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion.
Handsome
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Apple Nola
The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Killer Grenade
I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts.
EchoEmissary
This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge β talk about efficiency! With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience